Method and apparatus for making loop-equipped sanitary napkins



June 6, 1950 G E KLOCK 2,510,638

METHOD AND API ARATUS FOR MAKING LOOP-EQUIPPED SANITARY NAPKINS Original Filed April 16, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 fnz/erui' of George 1Y lac/ June 6, 1950 G. E. KLOCK 2,510,638

METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR MAKING LOOP-EQUIPPED SANITARY NAPKINS Original Filed April 16, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 %@QQ/W Patented June 6, 1950 UNITED STATES OFFICE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING Loon-scorers!) SANITARY'NAPKINS -George E. Klock, Kenmore, N.- Y., assignor to International Cellucctton Products Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware 21 claims. (01. 112-203) This invention relates to a sanitary napkin equipped with attachment loops at itsends and to a method of producing the same.

This application isa division of my co-pending application, Serial No. 662,447 filed April 16, 1946 now abandoned for Letters Patent of the United States. 1

The main objects of the-invention are to provide a loop-equipped sanitary napkin in which the attachment loop is neatly and securely attached to the sanitary napkin; to provide a loop construction which can be produced economically and at low cost; to provide a means and method for attaching the loops to the napkin ata very low cost; to provide a sanitary napkin construction which will in general be more economical than corresponding loop-equipped construction heretofore available; and in general it is the object of the invention to provide an improved loop-equipped sanitary napkin and an improved method of making such napkins.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be understood by'referenceto the following specification and accompanying drawings (two sheets) wherein there is illustrated more or less diagrammatically, the method and equipment provided for producing the improved sanitary napkin and the improved sanitarynapkin construction. 1

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective illustrating the end--portion of a sanitary napkin equipped with-a loop according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan of an end portion of the napkin illustrating the same in a stage of manufacturejust preceding a final operation to shape the loop;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a more or less diagrammatic longitudinal cross-section through typical apparatus for producing the napkin construction shown in Figs. 2 and 3; and

Fig. 5 is a plan of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 4.

The sanitary napkin shown in Fig. 1 comprises a suitable absorbent pad element I enclosed in a gauze or other suitable pervious wrapper 2. The absorbent pad and the pervious wrapper may be of any desired materials and construction. The wrapper 2 is in the form of a web of gauze folded transversely around the absorbent pad body, the wrapper being extended somewhat beyond the ends of the pad body to provide tab portions or end extensions such as represented at 3. In Figs. 56

2 1, 2 and 3, only one end portion of the napkin construction is shown and it should be understoodthat both ends may be of like construction. A

loopp l of cord-like form is attached to the wrap-- per extension 3 and the present invention is particularly concerned with the formation and attachment of this loop 4; I

- The loop 4 is formed'from a length 5 of tubular knitted material, the length of which extends transversely of the extension 3 of the wrapper. Said length of tubular material is stitched as indicated at 6 to the wrapper extension by a line of stitching which extends lengthwise of the tubular element for its entire length near one edge thereof and transversely of the said extension 3. As indicated particularly in 3, the tube 5 is in collapsed or flattened condition when the stitching 6' is applied. After the tubing element 5 is secured as explained to the extension 3, it is stretched transversely with the result that the tubelength will roll upon itself from opposite ends toform the cord-like loop attachment tab illustrated at 4 in Fig. 1.

"Pad units such as represented in Figs. 2 and 3 may advantageously be formed by continuously conveying a series of such pads in a direction transversely of-their length in suitable pans or trays I (Figs. 4 and 5), which are respectively se cured at their ends to conveyor chains, one of which is represented at 8. Such conveyor chains are suitably supported by sprockets and they may. of course, be continuously driven by any suitable driving means. 7

'The trays I may comprise bottoms 1' of a length and width which is slightly larger than the length and width of the absorbent pad portion of'the napkin so that the latter together with its wrapper may be deposited on such bottom wall and within the periphery thereof. The trays'may be equipped with end walls such as represented at 9 and side walls in and H,al-

though the outer side wall Ill may be omitted if desired. The end walls 9 are provided with centrally disposed notches or recesses indicated at- 12 which permitthe end extensions 3 01' the wrappers to project outwardly beyond the ends of the tray. The notches I! are of such width thatthe wrapper extensions 3 will necessarily be gathered to a relatively narrow width as compared with the corresponding dimension of the sanitary napkin. For example, in a napkin which measures 2%" across its face, the wrapper may be gathered to'a greatly reduced width which may vary considerably. As one example, the tab may be gathered to a width of about 3 However, it may be reduced to a greater extent if desired or it may be made as wide as the loop element 5 is long. Preferably, however, the width of the gathered extension 3 is somewhat less than the length of the tube element 5 for a purpose which will present appear.

The conveyor structure embodying chains 8 and the trays 1 travels between a pair of normally stationary tables, one of which is shown at I3. When the napkins are introduced into the trays and the extensions caused to project beyond the ends thereof, the napkins with their projectin extensions will be carried forwardly with the extensions supported and guided by the respective tables. The napkins may be conveniently introduced into the trays when the trays are in the separated position illustrated at M at one end of the conveyor structure. The angular arrangement of the trays along the upper, forwardly extended reach of the conveyor structure serves to bring the extensions 3 into the desired spaced relationship. The desired spacing of the said tabs 3 is considerably less than the spacing which would result if the napkins were placed flatwise edge to edge.

The napkins may be introduced by hand into the trays or suitable means may be provided for performing this operation automatically, the pads being delivered tothe mechanism in a magazine from which they may be discharged one by one as required or directly from a pad making machine such as typified by Bauer Patent Re. 21,938 with which the present mechanism may be coordinated or combined.

Supply rolls of knitted tubing are suitably mounted to deliver tubular tape-like strips into overlapping relationship to the projecting wrapper extensions 3 on the respective supporting tables. One such supply roll is shown at l5 and its tape-like strip is marked IS. The tapelike strip is suitably guided into overlapping relationship to the extensions 3 by a guide wheel H. The roll i5 may be driven to eifect unwinding of its tubular strip It at the desired rate of speed by a suitable driving means indicated at l8, and the guide roll I! may also be driven at the proper speed to prevent undue stretching of the tubular strip IS.

A sewing machine I9 is suitably arranged to apply the line of stitching 5 to the tubular tape strip l6 and the underlying wrapper extensions 3 as an incident to the forward movement of these elements.

The tape strip I6 is next severed transversely intermediate the projecting extensions 3 and for this purpose a suitable rotary knife 20 may be provided for cooperating with a normally stationary knife 2|. To guide the extensions and tape strip over the knife 2|, a pivoted guide member 22 may be provided, such guide member being yieldably held in its upwardly inclined position to guide the wrapper extensions and tape over the stationary knife 2|. The arrangement is such that when the knife 20 approaches a cutting relationship to the stationary knife 2|, an extended portion of the knife will engage a cam edge portion 23 of the guide 22 to depress it so as to cause the tape strip "5 to engage the cutting knife in a condition in which the knife 20 may cooperate with the knife 2| to out said strip. This cutting mechanism is of substantially the same character as that which severs the gauze wrapper in the sanitary napkin makin machine shown in Bauer Patent No. Re. 21,938, November l1,.1941. a p

When the tray carried napkins have been carried past the cutting mechanism the napkins are, of course, separated from each other so that when the trays are carried downwardly around the delivery end of the conveyor structure the respective pads may fall out of their carrying trays as represented at 24, the pads being dropped onto the next lower tray from which the pads slide off to be received by a suitable receiving conveyor 25 or other receiving means. A stop 26 or the inner edge of the back of each tray serves to prevent the pads from possibly sliding inwardly into engagement with the conveyor chains 8.

The gathering of the wrapper ends 3 to a narrower width than the center to center spacing referred to is, of course, determined in accordance with the desired length of the tubular sections 5 which, in a typical example, may be about 1 /4 inches.

The notches or recesses I2 in the tray ends may be so formed that the uppermost edge portion or the tray edges formed by each notch will hold the extensions 3 down in approximately parallel relation to the surface of the table part |3. However, it is preferable that the extensions 3 be not clamped against such table portion but be free to move along the top thereof without creating any dragging effect on the extensions. If desired a suitable conveyor belt or the like may be provided for preventing any drag whatever on the tabs up to the point of their delivery to the sewing mechanism I9.

The described loop attachment tab structure and method of securing the same to the sanitary napkin provides a very securely attached loop, this secure attachment being somewhat facilitated by the gathering of the wrapper extension so that the stitching will engage a substantial part of the material instead of a single thread or two as would occur if the stitching went through ungathered gauze. The described structure also permits an important reduction in the length of the wrapper required, and by this means attains a substantial economy in respect of the cost of the material employed in producing the napkin proper. The mechanism operates at a high rate of speed and involves relatively simple mechanical elements which can be obtained or produced at relatively low cost so that the structure is commercially practicable.

If desired, mechanism may be provided for engaging the separated tab sections before the napkins are discharged from the conveyor trays and for stretching said sections to convert the same into the cord-like loops shown at 4 in Fig. 1.

Various changes in the mechanism illustrated may, of course, be made while continuing to employ the principles of the apparatus and method described, and various changes in the details of the sanitary napkin construction may also be made while continuing to employ the invention.

I claim:

1. The method of making a loop equipped sanitary napkin which comprises the steps of propelling a plurality of sanitary napkins transversely of their length with wrapper end portions projecting endwise beyond the ends of the absorbent pad portions of the napkins, feeding a continuous length of a tubular tape-like strip of material into position extending transversely of said wrapper extensions, stitching said tape strip along one edge thereof to said wrapper extensions, and then severing the tape strip intermediate said wrapper stitched to said Wrapper extensions.

extensions to thereby provide independent loops projecting endwise beyond the ends'ofthe' absorbent pad portions of the napkins and gathered transversely of the width of said pad, feeding a continuous length of a tubular tape-like strip of' material into position extending'transversely of said gathered wrapper extensions, stitchingsaid tape strip along one edge thereof to said gathered wrapper extensions, and then severing the tape strip intermediate said wrapper extensions to thereby provide independent loops stitched to said wrapper extensions.

3. The method set forth in claim 1, wherein-the tubular tape strip comprises a tubular knitted member, and wherein the independent loop sec tions stitched to the wrapper extensions are subjected to stretching transversely of their lengths to cause the same to roll upon themselves-into more or less cord-like form: I V 4. Apparatus for producing'loop equipped sanitary napkins, comprising a conveyor, a plurality of sanitary napkin receiving trays attached to said conveyor so as to be movabletherewith, said trays having recessed end walls for permittinggathered extensions of the napkins deposited in the trays to-project endwise from said trays, means for positioning a continuous tubular tape-like I strip transversely of wrapper end portions which projeot from said trays, means for stitching said tubular strip adjacent one edge to said wrapper extensions, and means for severing said tubular strip intermediate said wrapperextensions to thereby provide independent loop'sections stitched to said wrapper extensions.

5. The method of making'a loop equipped sanitary napkin which comprises the steps of propelling -a plurality of sanitary napkins transversely of their length with wrapper end portions projecting endwise beyond the ends of the absorbent pad portions of the napkins, feeding a continuous length of a tubular tape-like strip of knitted material into position extending transversely of said wrapper extensions, stitching said tape' strip along one edge thereof to said wrapper extensions, and then severing the tape strip intermediate said wrapper extensions to thereby provide independent loops stitched to said wrapper extensions;

'6. The method of making a loop equipped san tary' napkin which comprises the steps of propelling a plurality of sanitary napkins transversely of their length with wrapper end portions project ing endwise beyond the ends of the absorbent pad I portions of the napkins and gathered transversely of the width of said pad, feeding a continuous length of a tubular tape-like strip of knitted material into position extending transversely of said gathered wrapper extensions, stitching said tape strip along one edge thereof to said gathered wrapper extensions, and then severing the tape strip intermediate said wrapper extensions to thereby provide independent loops stitched to said wrapper extensions.

7. Apparatus for producing loop equipped sanitary napkins, comprising a conveyor for receiving and conveying a plurality of sanitary napkins transversely of their lengths, said napkins being of greater width than thickness, and the conveyor being provided with means for positioning said napkins in at least partially overlapped face-to-face relationship with the distance between said napkins less than the width of the napkins, said conveyor also having means for holding, in transversely gathered condition, end portions of the napkin wrappers which project endwise beyond the main body portions of said napkins, means for positioning a continuous tubular element transversely of said gathered wrapper end portions, and means for securing said tubular element to said wrapper extensions.

8. Apparatus for producing loop equipped sanitary. napkins, comprising a conveyor for receiving and conveying a plurality of sanitary napkins transversely of their lengths, said napkins being of greater width than thickness, and the conveyor being provided with means for positioning said napkins in at least partially overlapped face-toface relationship with the distance between said napkins less than the width of the napkins, said conveyor also having means for holding, in transversely gathered condition, end portions of the napkin wrappers which project endwise beyond the main body portions of said napkins, means for positioning a continuous tubular element transversely of said gathered wrapper end por; tions, means for securing said tubular element to said wrapper extensions, and means, for severing said tubular element intermediate the gathered wrapper end' portions.

'9, Apparatus for producing loop equipped sani taryin apkins, comprising a conveyor for receiving and conveying a plurality of sanitary napkins transversely of their lengths, saidnapkins being of greater width than thickness, and the conveyor" being provided with means for positioning said napkins in at least partially overlapped faceto-face relationship with the distance between said napkins less than the width of the napkins;

said conveyor also having means for holding in transversely gathered condition end portions of the napkin wrappers which project endwise beyond the main body portions'of said napkins,

face-to-face relationship with the distance be-,, ,tween saidnapkins less than the width of the napkins, said conveyor also having means for holding in transversely gathered condition end portions of the napkin wrappers which project endwise beyond the main body portions of said napkins, means for positioning a collapsed continuous tubular element transversely of said gathered wrapper end portions in lapping relation thereto, means for securing said collapsed tubular element adjacent one edge thereof to said wrapper extensions, and means for severing said tubular element intermediate the gathered wrapper end portions.

11. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the means for securing the tubular elements to the wrapper end portions comprises mechanism for sewing the tubular element to the wrapper end portions.

12. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the means for securing the tubular element to the wrapper end portions comprises mechanismf. for sewing the tubular element to the wrapper end portions.-

13. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the means for securing the tubular element to the wrapper end portions comprises mechanism for sewing the tubular element to the wrapper end portions.

14. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the means for securing the tubular element to the wrapper end portions comprises mechanism for sewing the tubular element to the wrapper end portions.

15. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the means for securing the tubular element to the wrapper end portions comprises mechanism.

for sewing the tubular element to the wrapper end portions by a line of stitching which extends continuously lengthwise of said collapsed tubular element. 4

16. The method of making a sanitary napkin having an attachment tab secured to one end, which comprises the steps of propelling. a plurality of sanitary napkins transversely of their length in partially overlapped relation with gathered and thereby separated wrapper end portions projecting endwise the ends of the absgrbent pad portions of the napkins, feeding-a continuous length of a tape-like strip of material into position extending transversely of said wrapper extensions, stitching said tape strip successively to the gathered ends of said wrapper extensions so that part of the tape extends therebeyond, and then severing the tape strip intermediate said wrapper extensions to thereby provide independent attaching tabs stitched to said wrapper extensions.

. 17. Apparatus for producing sanitary napkin each of which has an attaching tab secured to an end, comprising a conveyor, a plurality of sanitary napkin receiving trays attached to said conveyor so as to bemoyable therewith, said trays having recessed end walls for permitting gathered extensions of the napkins deposited in the trays to project endwise from said trays, means for positioning a continuous tape-like strip transversely of wrapper end portions which project fromsaid trays, means for stitching said tubular strip successively to said wrapper extensions, and means forsevering said strip intermediate said wrapper extensions to thereby provide independent attaching tabs stitched to said wrapper extension.

13'. Apparatus for producing sanitary napkins each of which has an attaching tab secured to an end, comprising a conveyor for receiving and conveying a plurality of sanitary napkins transversely of their lengths, said napkins being of greater width than thickness, and the conveyor being provided with means for positioning said napkinsin at least partially overlapped face-to face relationship with the distance between said napkins less than the width of the napkins, said conveyor also having means for holding, in transversely gathered condition, end portions of the napkin wrappers which project endwise beyond the main body portions of said napkins, means for positioning a continuous tape-like strip transversely of said gathered wrapper end portions, and means for securing said strip to said wrapper extensions.

19. Apparatus for producing sanitary napkins each of which has an attaching tab secured to an end, comprising a conveyor for receiving and conveying a plurality of sanitary napkins transversely of their lengths, said napkins being of greater width than thickness, and the conveyor being provided with means for positioning said napkins in at least partially overlapped face-toface relationship with the distance between said napkins less than the width of the napkins, said conveyor also having means for holding, in transversely gathered condition, end portions of the napkin wrappers which project endwisebeyond the main body portions of said napkins, means for positioning a continuous tape-like strip transversely of said gathered wrapper end portions, means for securing said strip to said wrapper extensions, and means for severing said strip intermediate the gathered wrapper end portions.

20. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the means for securing the tape-like strip to the wrapper end portions comprises mechanism for sewing the strip to the wrapper end portions.

21. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the means for securing the tape-like strip to the wrapper end portions comprises mechanism for sewing the strip to the wrapper end portions.

' GEORGE E. KLOCK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file, of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,575,193 Davis Mar. 2, 1926 1,828,966 Halberg et a1 Oct. 27, 1931 1,980,603 Webb Nov. 13, 1934 2,393,292 Coates Jan. 22, 1946 

